India vs New Zealand 2019: Krunal Pandya can Bat Anywhere from No. 5 Downwards - VVS Laxman

Spin bowling all-rounder, Krunal Pandya seemed to have done his share of impressing the stalwarts of the game. Because of his match-winning performance during the Auckland T20I, he has earned praise from VVS Laxman. In his column for the TOI, the former India batsman hailed Krunal for his aggressive approach in the second match; which eventually helped India level the three-match T20Is with a seven-wicket win. Also, Laxman wrote about India’s intent and how the bowlers have helped the visitors bounce back from a crushing defeat to win a game.

Bowlers adapted well in Auckland – VVS

In the first game in Wellington, India faced a stern attack from the NZ openers, which laid the platform for a huge total. As the Kiwis scored 219/6, they came to a step closer to the win. Though the India National Cricket Team had the firepower in their lineup, they failed to click as a unit. As a result, New Zealand won the game b 80 runs. Meanwhile, the next T20I saw the equation getting altered.

It was a complete team performance which helped India settle the scores. Laxman also added the team showed character in bouncing back from a heavy defeat for the second time in the series. The veteran batsman wrote the Auckland win was set up by the bowlers, mainly Krunal Pandya. Further, Laxman opined unlike the Wellington game, where the bowlers were too full and were not able to find swing either; they improved by bowling smartly in the second game. Thus, NZ, even after batting first didn’t score too much on the board.

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“For the second time on this tour of New Zealand, India showed great character in bouncing back from a crushing defeat. The commanding victory in the second T20I was set up by the bowlers and finished off in style by the formidable batting unit. It was great to see the bowlers adopting a more aggressive mindset in Auckland compared to the first match by pitching the ball up and looking for swing. While T20 cricket might be viewed as a batsman’s game, nothing is more effective in containing the flow of runs than picking up wickets, and that virtue was evident on Friday.” Laxman wrote.

Krunal showcased smartness in the Auckland T20I

The elder of the Pandya brothers, Krunal Pandya, had picked three wickets in the second game. Though his numbers were impressing, the way Krunal used his brain and his smartness to pick the wickets stood out. VVS Laxman has been following team India’s performance from over a year now; wrote how the left-arm spinner bagged three wickets, including that of NZ captain, Kane Williamson.

“Krunal Pandya struck the decisive blows, showcasing his smartness. He is not the conventional left-arm spinner who will deceive batsmen in the air, but he creates artificial angles with his use of the crease, and hustles batsmen with changes of pace. His dismissals of Colin Munro and Kane Williamson were indicative of someone who puts a lot of thought into his bowling.

Sensing that Munro was itching to take him down the ground or to the on-side, he went wide of the crease from round the stumps and bowled the ball wide of off-stump, forcing the left-hander to go over the offside. Kane loves to play off the back foot, and while Krunal did pitch the ball short, he got it to skid off the surface and hasten on to the New Zealand captain far earlier than he anticipated.

Moreover, VVS Laxman noted Krunal Pandya had won many games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Thus, he has it in him to play anywhere from fifth number position and downwards.

In my eyes, Krunal is an allrounder who can bat anywhere from No. 5 downwards. He is a powerful striker of the ball and has won matches off his bat in the IPL, and his progress as a bowler is a healthy development going forward,” Laxman added.

Meanwhile, the third T20I will take place at the Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (February 10th).